It's a fresh, new system that should cost less. That's how Davenport's new transit committee is looking at how CitiBus will soon run.
The goal of the group is clear- make sure everyone knows what the priorities will be.
"It`s not about adding routes, changing routes or whatever, it`s about meeting the need of a high level of service, while at the same time keeping our cost in line and maximizing the resources we have," Davenport mayor Frank Klipsch said.
Each member steps up with a different perspective.
"Being a native of Davenport, I`m curious to know why a lot of people my age are not using the bus system and having a discussion around that," committee member Tyler Mitchell said.
"As you take a look at what we`re needing to get to at this point, there`s a lot of emotion in this, a lot of feelings because this is how they travel around and it`s very personal for them," Davenport Finance Director Brandon Wright said.
It may be personal, but money will come into play.
It costs the city around $6.5 million to run the bus system each year. Most of that is paid back through grants, taxes and user fees, but they still lose around $500,000 each year.
"The reality is that it doesn`t matter what bus system or transit system you`re looking at across the country, the difference between what people pay to ride the bus and how much it costs to operate that bus system are never in comparison with each other," Wright said.
That number will hang over the group as they look to cut that down, but also improve services to city riders.
"They have a lot of passion for the route system. They`re not shy from sharing their thoughts and opinions. We want to hear them, we want to respond to them. Ultimately, this will make for a better route system in the end," Wright said.
Wright says that because the transit system is a public service, more state and federal grants could help cover the cost of the system even more. The committee hopes to have the new transit plan in place by this summer.